UPDATE - Around 2,000 protesters defy ban in France's Lyon, police use tear gas

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By Seyma Erkul Dayanc

ISTANBUL (AA) - Around 2,000 protesters defied a demonstration ban in the southeastern French city of Lyon on Saturday, with police using tear gas after fireworks were fired toward security forces, local media reported.

Demonstrators gathered mainly in the city's 7th arrondissement, according to local authorities.

The prefecture told French newspaper Le Progres that protesters were "very dispersed" across the area.

Fireworks mortars were reportedly fired toward police, prompting officers to respond with tear gas.

Authorities had banned demonstrations in parts of Lyon amid nationwide protests over rising living costs and conditions in the education sector.

Security measures had been reinforced following violence during demonstrations the previous weekend.

In Marseille, the Bouches-du-Rhone prefecture estimated that 17,000 people joined a demonstration, while the CGT trade union put the turnout at 40,000, according to local newspaper La Provence.

A separate demonstration in Aix-en-Provence, where rallies were banned, drew around 1,000 people.

Tensions were also reported in Nantes, where demonstrators gathered in an area where rallies were prohibited, prompting the prefecture to issue a warning to residents.

Demonstrations also took place despite restrictions in several cities in western France. Regional newspaper Ouest-France reported around 1,000 participants in Vannes, 1,200 in Lorient and 45 in Pontivy.

In Brest, where demonstrations were also banned, around 10,000 people joined a march.

The demonstrations were part of a wider mobilization against rising living costs and deteriorating public services, which has brought together students, high school pupils, trade unions and Yellow Vest supporters.

The new protests come after demonstrations on Oct. 17, which drew large crowds across France but also saw violence and looting in several cities.

Şeyma Erkul Dayanç